AN EASTENDERS star dished out awards to high-achieving students with learning difficulties and disabilities.

Nina Wadia, who plays Zainab Masood in the popular soap, was guest of honour at Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College, in Gliddon Road, West Kensington, last Thursday (7/7) for their annual bash.

More than 300 youngsters were handed certificates recognising their achievements over the past 12 months.

The college, which has the biggest provision for disabled students and learning difficulties such as Autism and Aspergers, saw their Learners with Learning Difficulties and Disabilities (LLDD) provision rated outstanding in their last Ofsted inspection.

And the 42-year-old actress said: "This has been a really special event. I wasn't expecting it to be this big and everyone has been so welcoming and the atmosphere has been fantastic.

"It's great to see how everyone is so appreciative of each other. I’m not surprised that this is one of the top provisions in the country, you can see the care that has been taken in putting this all together. It’s been wonderful.”

Sue Slynn, head of the college's Supported Learning department, said: "It's been a great event to top off a great year. I'm so proud of all the staff and the learners and everyone's seemed to enjoy the day and Nina has been fantastic."